NABP to Begin Sunrise Trademark Registration Period for .Pharmacy Websites

Following the Sunrise Period, registration for .pharmacy domain names will be open to pharmacy websites that are accredited through the NABP Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites® (VIPPS®) and Veterinary-Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (Vet-VIPPS®) programs, as well as for pharmacy websites that have received approval through the NABP e-Advertiser Approval Program. Applications from other dispensing pharmacies will be accepted beginning in mid-2015. General availability will begin in June 2015 at which time all entities providing pharmacy-related products, services, or information that meet .pharmacy eligibility standards will be able to apply to register for the domain.

Following the Sunrise Period, registration for .pharmacy domain names will be open to pharmacy websites that are accredited through the NABP Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites^® (VIPPS^®) and Veterinary-Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (Vet-VIPPS^®) programs, as well as for pharmacy websites that have received approval through the NABP e-Advertiser Approval Program. Applications from other dispensing pharmacies will be accepted beginning in mid-2015. General availability will begin in June 2015 at which time all entities providing pharmacy-related products, services, or information that meet .pharmacy eligibility standards will be able to apply to register for the domain.

Except for those already VIPPS or Vet-VIPPS accredited or e-Advertiser approved, entities seeking a .pharmacy domain name must first submit an application, supporting documentation, and an application fee to NABP. NABP will evaluate these materials to ensure compliance with program standards. NABP is establishing a network of international regulatory groups to facilitate evaluation of international domain name applications. Once approved, applicants will be able to register the domain name through an approved registrar.

Of the tens of thousands of sites selling prescription drugs online, NABP has reviewed over 10,800 and found that nearly 97% do not follow pharmacy laws and standards established to protect the public health. NABP will grant use of the .pharmacy domain only to legitimate website operators that adhere to pharmacy laws in the jurisdictions in which they are based and in which their patients and customers reside, so that consumers can easily find safe online pharmacies.

The .pharmacy domain application will be available at www.dotpharmacy.net beginning December 19, 2014. Additional information about the .Pharmacy TLD Program, as well as NABP's most recent research on rogue online drug sellers is also available on the site.

NABP is the independent, international, and impartial Association that assists its state member boards and jurisdictions for the purpose of protecting the public health.